Thanksgiving and such...

A belated happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  A few days late, but know that we thought of all our family and friends during the past few days.  We had the pleasure of enjoying Thanksgiving dinner cooked by Nana Rindos...oh so delicious (and lasagna the next...we're a bit gluttonous...at least the last couple of days.)  Friday morning (Black Friday??) was spent getting and putting up the Christmas trees...yes TREES.  It seems that we spend most of our time upstairs and little in our living room..thus two trees.  Upstairs is kid friendly (note the help we had below) and downstairs..still to be decorated...will be whatever is left! 

Annalise also had the pleasure of staying overnight with Nana & Pop-pop Friday into Saturday.  It gave Mommy a lot of time to study and Daddy time to play and work. 

Below are a few pictures of the past few days...enjoy!

The Rindos "Famous" Turkey pictures (note that Annalise was napping and woke up after Daddy cut the turkey..how convenient!)

The Rindos Cousins...my what good friends they are going to be in a couple of years!

Annalise being her typical self (recently finding out how good candy corn is too!)

Our Christmas tree decorator...when she first saw it her words were, "Ooooh, pretty!"

Clara's Firsts

Clara has had quite a number of "firsts" over the last few weeks. From smiling, cooing, and any other of numerous things she's doing, Clara has been a neverending supply of new things (as has her big sister). Today was a new first....her first day of "school."  Although it was difficult for all involved (except maybe Clara who slept through the entire morning drop-off) including Annalise (who didn't understand why Mom, Dad, and Clara were dropping her off at school), everyone survived. Next week is Day #2 and then full time starting in December.

Our Little Princess(es)

Mommy took Annalise to a "Princess Breakfast" at a local children's museum today. It wasn't exactly as advertised, but our little Princess did say she had fun. Clara spent the morning lying next to Daddy. Other than that, the week at the Swanson household has been uneventful. Annalise loves to say "I do it" for everything...she's becoming Miss Independent for sure. Unfortunately, Mommy's "vacation" home with the kids is coming to an end this week. Clara will spend Tuesday with Annalise at school.

Here are a few pictures from this morning:

Annalise wasn't sure to make of it at the time...

Clara at her best!

A Day at the Park

While Annalise & Clara's Aunt Cindy & Shari & Uncle Jeff were in town, they took Annalise & Clara to the park to hang out on a beautiful November day (Sunny & 60's beautiful?). Lots of sliding, climbing, and other park fun was had (as well as a nice slumber by the lone baby of the group). Just a few cute pictures here...

Birthday Party

A great time was had by all at Annalise's 2-year Birthday Party. Aunts Shari & Cindy and Uncle Jeff flew in from Minnesota and Nana & Pop-pop Rindos, Aunt Ree-Ree, Uncle John & Cousin Madison came over too! Here are a few pics of the happenings!


The Birthday Girl


Opening the wonderful gifts from everyone


Clara: "I want some cake!"

Aunt Shari & Annalise with the Nemo cake

The family gathering

I'm TWO!

Two years ago today Annalise Grace Swanson came into this world. Our lives are all the better for it. Happy Birthday Annalise!

Guess who's turning 2 soon!

Annalise went to Pre-K today (that's the new & improved term for daycare I guess) and brought cupcakes to celebrate turning 2 on Saturday. Here's a short video of her decorating them with Nana last night.

A Busy Week...

The last week and a half have been busy in the Swanson household..thus the lack of postings. Dad had some research to do down in Charlottesville so the whole family took a trip. Six hours and several Dora episodes later we made it without much difficulty. We were able to stay with our good friends Chris, Brooke, & Austin. Austin & Annalise had a lot of fun together.

We also had the opportunity to take part in the yearly tradition of Halloween on the Lawn. Neither Austin or Annalise were really thrilled about Trick-or-Treating (but notice how cute Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia look together!).

Clara slept through most of it (is it hibernation time for penguins?) but was still adorable and a good baby!

Annalise & Austin actually loved giving the candy out that night as other kids came to the door. It was a good example of giving rather than receiving!

Thanks again to the Arnold's for the hospitality!

For some other pictures from the month of October, click here!